The Serb, if he gets by Murray, is projected to meet either Grigor Dimitrov or Stan Wawrinka in the semifinals.

Staying in the top half, Djokovic opens with either Radek Stepanek or Gael Monfils. Then potentially JW Tsonga before Murray. With the Canadian courts customarily quick, it’s not a great draw but certainly one Novak can navigate especially given Murray’s decline.

In the second quarter, maybe Kevin Anderson can make some noise. Maybe Kei Nishikori. Otherwise it’s looking like a Stan-Grigor quarter. But it’s hard to say and tough to make anyone the outright favorite in that section.

In the bottom half is where we find the trees (the tall guys) and Mr. Roger Federer. The Swiss is staring down a treacherous path of potentially Jerzy Janowicz, then Marin Cilic, then John Isner before either 2013 finalist and Canadian hero Milos Raonic or Tomas Berdych. So there’s a lot of power and height in the bottom of the draw. David Ferrer’s in there also but the Spaniard has been dealing with an elbow injury so I wouldn’t put too much stock in him next week, though I’d like to see him square up against Isner in the third.

For most of the top guys this is their first appearance on hardcourts since Miami.

Now that Nadal is out the next two weeks, I think Djokovic should be at ease knowing his main rival won’t be around. Federer should be feeling good and I think he’ll go as far as his serve (and service return!) will take him.

The 10th-ranked Murray is anyone’s guess. He plays his best during the summer months so after a forgettable first half maybe he can get back on track, raise his ranking and start playing top level tennis again. Or maybe not. Australian Open champ Wawrinka is another top guy who could shoot to the moon or just fall flat.

And let’s see about these young guys: Raonic, Nishikori, Dominic Thiem (in the Kiztbuhel final tomorrow), Vasek Pospisil (Canadian plays Gasquet in his opener), Nick Kygrios (good draw against Santi Giraldo), Jack Sock (drew Melzer to play Raonic) and Dimitrov who could face Nishikori in a sizzling second match.

So while it’s a letdown not to have Nadal or Juan Martin Del Potro to start the summer (let’s hope one of the two plays the US Open), it’s a good, balanced draw.

As for an early pick, I’ll go Djokovic over Raonic in the final. With a strong summer and Nadal’s injury, Novak can all but wrap up No. 1 in New York so he won’t want to let this opportunity slip by. He’s also won the event three times and has dominated the Masters events of late. And I just like Raonic’s draw, even more if he doesn’t have to deal with Federer in the semis.

Suggest you take time to write articles more coherently before rushing to publish your thoughts.

Also I wouldn’t write Murray off just yet. There are very good reasons why he’s slipped down the rankings, which was only to be expected given that he missed the end of last season due to back surgery from which it took him several months to recover and get back to finding his top form. Lendl’s sudden departure did nothing to help either, so on top of everything else he was faced with finding a new coach. In the interim though Murray got to the SF at RG, defeating some tricky opponents on the way, despite the fact that clay is reckoned to be his least favourite surface. What happened at Wimbledon we’ll never know, but to say that he’s in a decline because of one very poor match is ridiculous.

Also you’ve contradicted yourself by first stating that he isn’t a huge threat these days, then go on to suggest that Djokovic might not be able to beat him should both make the QF.

I think the bottom half is easier than top half. Ferrer not convincing, Berdyh neither.
For Fed the only guy who has the nerves to beat him is Berdych, againt everybody else he has an exclente record, so if somebody took Berdy out I fancy Roger’s chance for the final. But picking Raonic is a good choice, they will most likely at the semis.

The top half seems more loaded, Djoko could have potenty: Stepanek (who somehow troubles him); Tsonga (not much risk but still can have one of the old days back); Murray (can beat Djoko depending on confience); Stan (they still didn’t got a remarch after AO) and then Federer or Raonic.

Somehow I think Djoko will be more eager for Cincy this year and complete the Master sweep. His record in Masters is impressive but I feel he is not going to win it.

If Novak wins Cincy then he will have the Masters sweep,making history is what these players want to achieve,and i have a feeling he will be hungry for this,as its something not even Federer or Nadal will have done,a stand alone achievement which will be on Wiki,not to say he wont ever do it,but i dont think he will get a better chance than this year,anyway i think he has to be the favorite,that said with Rafa missing im pulling for Murray,and i think if he can get back on track he is evenly matched against Novak,assuming both get that far….

Killer Cahill just now made a comment that “Obviously, Rafa would not be playing the USO”. Does he already know something we don’t? I made a comment on another thread that I wouldn’t doubt that he would not be able to defend his USO title……BUMMER!! I won’t be surprised if we don’t see him until AO 2015. Injury that mentions a detachment is a little bit of the serious nature. We will see. Hope he heals quickly

Wait a minute – in the “poll of experts” a majority of the respondents pick Federer. Now he’s certainly not the fashionable choice any more, but doesn’t Roger rate a mention as one of the favorites to win? At least a real threat??

I am with Peep, I am pretty sure Nole will use Toronto as a warm up event for Cincinnati and USO, he will not be going all out in Toronto…honeymoon effect:)

Skeezer, if you are around, have a look at this article from Professor Dr Dusko Ilic about body types in tennis and with scientific detailed explanation, it does give certain credibility to your comment on the other thread, you will have to use the Google Translate but it’s worth it:

Wog boy,
Thanks and yes read that. He knows it, and as the authority to describe it.
Have had a few discussions with some with authority in sports science, and there is a consensus there ( building a body type for tennis ). So am not surprised by the Professors analogies. Frankly , he is very knowledgable imo. Great read and thanks! Oh and the stuff they are doing with Nole and his camp, that is great stuff to. Leading edge….

I can’t see Novak not going all out for this tournament or any tournament for that matter. Not believing that comment for one minute. These guys want to win titles. Plying half heartedly like you would an exhibition…just don’t see it….that’s all.

Killer Cahill just now made a comment that “Obviously, Rafa would not be playing the USO”. Does he already know something we don’t?
–
My fingers are crossed for the US open. I am not interested in that minor tournament in a useless city. I look forward to resting my body and starting fresh in 2015.

i’m not interested in what a professor says about body types. i’ll let you read the article since you initiated the subject. im sure nadal would agree that results are what matters in tennis and NOT who has the right body type. anyway, you haven’t answer my question yet. allow me to jog your memory; in your original post you stated that nadal doesn’t have the right “body type” for playing tennis and that he would most likely have won more slams than roger if he had a “body type” like novak or roger. my question was,(based on your theory) if novak has the right body type for playing tennis and, as a result have had less injuries than nadal then why doesn’t he have as many or more slams than roger? instead of answering the question, you are evading with all this other irrelevant info. just answer the question, I don’t need another article to read. the reason you bought it up in the first place was to have something else negative to say about nadal, as always. nadal has tremendous power over you and doesn’t even know you. you just can’t comment on anything about tennis without taking a shot at nadal. you can’t help it!

This time around, I think Novak would be more motivated to win Cincinnati, a Master title surprisingly that has so far not been won by him in his career and thereby denied him the chance to make a comprehensive sweep of winning every one of the Master Series title atleast one in his career. Interestingly, this is an achievement which has eluded even Tennis Legends like Roger and Rafa and if Novak goes on to make it, it would be ranked as something special and quite extraordinary. As far as Toronto is concerned, although Andy is in his quarter, I think Novak would take him easy conidering that the former is a pale shadow of what he was in his formidable years. Especially, after the back surgery, Andy has been struggling to get into his groove.

interesting that both popsicle and milos are in the finals of washington – first all canadian men’s final in open era! they’re heating up just in time for the canadian masters.

i agree with wog boy and peep; nole will play well i am sure, but i suspect he wants cincy most of all and he might be in the clouds a bit still, after wimbledon/wedding/honeymoon. i could see fed, murray, wawa, or raonic winning in toronto.

Agree with Okiegal i doubt Novaks saving himself for Cincy,im sure he will think about Cincy next week,these are great and hungry champions so he will be hungry for both,and he will most probably get both IMO,Roger can play Novak close sometimes just depends,Stan blows hot and cold,Rafas missing(not that he was a factor),the rest have crappy records against him,Andy matches up well against Novak,but as Michael said is a shadow of his former self unfortunatly,im hoping Andy will prove me and the doubters wrong,but i think Novak will win Toronto,Cincy and the USO….

@Michael
Is Andy really a “pale shadow?” He did have a horrible match against Dimi at Wimbledon, true but up till then had looked good. Throughout his career he’s had these awful mental lapses, so nothing new there. Is why Lendl’s departure was such a bummer too, he really seemed to be sorting that out. But who knows, the pressure release of winning Wimbledon might’ve upset the apple cart anyway.
Did well at RG, for him.
I’ll say it again, the effects of back surgery cannot be underestimated. It’ll take time for him to get back mentally as well as physically. Not writing off the rest of 2014…… yet.

IMO When a player has ended their careers that is the right time to release an Autobiography,not while they are still playing,life stories of the rich and famous dont usually interest me as a rule,and ive only read Rafas which hubby bought me as a xmas present,which i didnt want and it was boring anyway,i suppose it all depends on how much interest you have on a person when they are not playing,each to their own….

Michael If your not going to go all out to win a tourney,then why bother to even play it?surely thats disrespectful to the fans,the other players as that surely takes away from their oponents win?and the tournament itself,i would be downright annoyed if i thought my favorite had not done their best,especially when id payed good money to watch them….

Fact is Andy hasnt won against a single top 10 player this year,and we are already half way through the season,well i guess thats that then no point Andy playing tennis anymore,may as well retire then?

@Fedexpress
Yep, realise that. Was just thinking Andy beat Tsonga at the Miami masters, but unfortunately I believe Tsonga was ranked 11 at the time, lol. And talking of players who are “pale imitations”……
Berdych seems to be on the decline too. Ferrer perhaps? It’s inevitable, but Andy is younger than these guys. And I do think it’s a question of mojo with him.
But hey! Louis Smith’s got his back, so who knows?

Intended for Mem…..I believe. Those were her words. Rafa May or may not have the build for tennis, I really don’t know. I feel he’s got a great record with what he was born with. He has a love and passion for the game and with those two attributes I think he could overcome other obstacles that might plague him. We are so fortunate to have been exposed to the kind of tennis we see from these top players. It has been great stuff……hope to get to watch it a few more years.

I want Rafa well too. Can’t believe it’s the wrist. Is there a wrist epidemic going on? Who is next? I want EVERYONE healthy……C’mon Andy…..pulling for……after Rafa, of course!!

Giles:
Milos Raonic – serve, serve and more serve. Has no game whatsoever IMO. Pfffffft. Popsicle is a much better player.

You’re just part of the popular myth bred in the US media regarding Milos game … His all court game is developing rapidly and his first slam is coming soon. I think he will be making waves at the US Open … and the Rogers Cup … and probably DC today …

…although I will agree with you that Pospisil has huge upside … particularly if he can figure out how to play on clay and grass …

@ Hippy: Do I sense irony? Hmmm….
Stop calling me French-I’m Serbian!!! ( currently living in France-in our country we call it “Gastarbajter “)
Belive me, how much I was working last two months, (90 hour weeks;;;) I even do not remember how my wife looks like!Apparently, I have also two kids-never seened them…(-:
Regarding tennis, I have a felling Andy comes strong this month.Just a felling…Shame for Rafa but then one thing we all learned so far-he always comes back with the vengance after injuries.So, nothing to worry too much…

Courbon sorry i thought you were French,as Wogboy always calls you Frenchie,anyway i have a hubby who works alot of hours too,so i know the feeling,i say good morning and good night most days lol,anyway yeah hope your right about Andy it seems long overdue,and i suppose we dont know if Novak will have a Wimbledon/wedding hangover?as far as Rafa goes then i only hope hes fit for the USO,although im not super confident TBH,i dont know if he will come back with a vengance as he aint getting any younger?no unrealistic expectations,just seeing him play will be enough to start with?

@ Hippy: I think Novak will have little hangover.For Andy, even he probably does not know where is he tennis…he will know if meets Novak in QF. You are right I guess, at some point Rafa will not come back as before but still…You can never know with that guy.He may come back for US Open and wins it or come back later.Messages from his camp are always obscure ( I remmember in 2012 he was suppose to come back in October, then it was December, then it was February…).Even message from Novak’s camp after Monaco was confusing…

Courbon i never know what to think about Rafas injuries anymore,will he play wont he play?argh all i know is they seem to sour my mood everytime one arises,and i end up turning into a raving lunatic,ranting and raving at posters whom i actually get on with for the most part, Daniel the other day told me i was getting too defensive,hes quite right and i now regret the whole thing,tough been emotionally invested in a player,especially when your someone who suffers from depression anyway,is it all worth the bother one wonders?

Don’t ever count out your love of tennis…..with all its ups and down, not being helpful for your depression. It’s good to have a hobby or a passion for something that takes one’s mind off themselves and their problems. We as fans get all hyped up in our favorite and live for the next tournament….then we have an injury to deal with and lose all senses. Hopefully Rafa will come back with a vengeance, like he has before. Yes, with each day we all get older and that can be problematic for athletes and their bodies. My wish is for good health for all of them. I know one thing for sure….Rafa will not rush it, I believe he’s learned a lesson in pushing an unhealthy body.
Hang in there Chic and take care of YOU!!
Sincerely,Okie.

Milos just beat Pops for his first 500 title. Kudos to him. I think to beat him you would need lots of long rallies to tire him out because there’s not one thing that can be done about that awesome serve he possesses. All those aces tends to keep him fresh as a daisy……me thinks!!

I was so slow getting my last comments sent that I repeated the info about Milos winning today. I did not intend to be a boring echo…..Killer Cahill just said that he had been given some bad info about Rafa and his injury…..He is planning on playing the USO but we all know that remains to be seen. Killer did apologize for error.

I can’t spell that other Canadian’s name either. Some are calling him Popcicle, now I am really confused……I just shortened it to Pops….simply because it’s easier to spell…..did not mean to disrespect him in any way. I am going to learn how to spell it now….because he deserves that respect after winning the Wimby doubles.

My inability to spell goes along with my inability to remember……senior moments and all that jazz…not to mention those crickety bones that goes with getting older…..Oh well, the other alternative isn’t all that great….pretty grim, actually!! Lol

@HC,
..and Shelley Watts, future barrister, won first gold in boxing, I wouldn’t mind her representing me in court.
Btw, don’t listen to that Frenchie, he is all talks not action;) If you spend 90 hours a week on “baustelle” what’s left for the wife? Hi Frenchie, how is going?:)

@jane,
Thanks, I didn’t know that. Did he play before or was suppose play before doubles with Wawrinka?
Is Vajda covering Toronto and Boris Cincinnati and NY?

Maybe she means cliques because I have noticed on this forum if you are not in one of the “cliques” on this forum no one will give you the time of day…..a legit observation. What’s really odd is that your own fan base will get in your chili for something you might have innocently said……go figure! Bye bye……

@ Okiegal:The reason we do not chat often is time difference.But I will make effort, I don’t want you to feel lonely…(-:

@ Wog Boy: Lovely jobly.
I went to see Mandela house and is actually in Acton area of London ( very far from ¨Peckham ) near BBC studios and market is actually in Sheperds Bush ( I use to shop often there.Lots of old Cetniks live there;;there is also hotel ‘Ravna Gora’.When you go there is like in 50′s…).
I have to go to work, speak to you later.

That is precisely the problem – Pre and Post surgery. Andy has never been the player he once was. Although, he did reach the Semis of French which appears to be a good showing, he was just mauled and humiliated by Rafa on court and he could have well escaped such a humiliation by getting beaten early – black and blue. Forgive me if I am sounding harsh. But that was the impression one got on court and was just a rewind of the Rafa Vs Fed encounter in 2008. At Wimbledon too, he had a relatively easy path until the quarters and was not tested. Against Dmitrov, he just looked out of sorts and looked disinterested for the whole part of the match. Infact Dmitrov was a little bit surprised about Andy’s melt down and attributed it to his personal problems, which Andy ofcourse denied during his post press conference. I think Andy is today suffering from a serious dent in his confidence which is just zapping post surgery. Although he has physically recovered, mentally he is still appearing to be a bit shaky. As you rightly said, he needs some time to recover from his surgery which is ofcourse not easy. I hope he makes an impression at the current American swing as he is almost losing his way and is today confided to the margins ranked at No.10. Any more escalation downward would certainly be a morale shattering blow for Andy. I hope he peaks.

If your not going to go all out to win a tourney,then why bother to even play it?surely thats disrespectful to the fans,the other players as that surely takes away from their oponents win?

Did I anywhere say that Novak would be playing Toronto just for the heck of it ? I only said that he would be more ambitous and motivated to win Cincinnati and that doesn’t mean he would not like to win Toronto. Like Rafa last year, Novak would like to make a clean sweep of the American hard court swing. Who knows ? He might well go on to do it with Rafa’s absence/Andy’s decline and Roger’s age and the momentum behind him having won Wimbledon.

And regarding your getting depressed about Rafa’s injury, well the beauty of Tennis is that there is always this next tournament to compete. If you lose Wimbledon, you set your sights on US Open and even if you lose that, then there is ofcourse the Australian to contend with. That is how you have to phase your career as a Tennis player shrugging away all your disappointments. You must stick to the pardigm – “No pain, no gain” and your career should revolve around it. Ofcourse, Rafa’s injury is certainly depressing. But hasn’t he had this problem so many times in his career and has weeded out of them successfully. Always he has been brilliant scripting his come backs and such injuries have only made him more resilient and formidable. So, you can well count on history repeating itself.

Wogboy there was a diminutive Austalian pop princess at the commonwealth closing ceremony,wearing thigh high black kinky boots,with a black and mauve corset,and very little else,with many near naked backing dancers….
BTW Thanks for the OFAH clip,it is my favorite ever commedy show,and the best TV programme ever,they dont make em like that anymore,loved it….
Also Frenchie says hes in fact Serbian lol….

Michael ok point taken,Novak will still be the favorite anyway,i just hope Andy will get back on track and he does match up well with Novak,so i will be pulling for him even though its a lost cause,and im on a hiding to nothing,and according to most just like Rafa hes going into some steep decline,Rafas injury will only be depressing to his fans,i very much doubt the rest could care less TBH….

Ofcourse, we must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Hope is tomorrow’s veneer over today’s disappointment and it is the pillar that holds up this World. For any Tennis player or any sportsperson,the prospect of hope acquires even greater importance in the overall scheme of things. Just look at the irony of it. There are about 128 odd players qualified players in a major, but it is just one out of the top three who always turn out winners, with the rest just going through the motions not able to make a mark. For what the rest are playing for when all these years they are being just confined to the margins. That really hurts when all your hard work goes in vain with no real success to complement your efforts. But here it is the sense of hope which takes the role of a soother and they live for another day and that is how life carries profoundly. Andy is going through an existential crisis and I just hope along with you that he makes a decent come back to solidify his position at the top. As regards Rafa, well it is too premature to write him off that he is in a decline. Man, he has just won the French Open and although his performance in the current Clay court season was not relatively upto the mark, yet he won where it mattered to prove his clay court supremacy and at Wimbledon, he was overpowered by the fire power of a budding player who had really nothing to lose that day and everything to gain. He took his chances and blew out Rafa and that can happen to any player. Panic button is still not pressed in the case of Rafa as there are chances that he would compete at the US Open and still that is confirmed, we have to keep our fingers crossed.

Michael great post,its not that i expect my favorites to win everything,and i would really think any fan of their favorites would feel exactly the same,if they have any sense,i just get down when they suffer injuries,Rafa losing to Rosol,Darcis,Nick(surname i cant spell)at Wimbledon wasnt nearly as dissapointing,as when he didnt play in 2009 etc,anyway if hes fit for the USO then fair enough,if not then if will root for someone else,theres plenty of others i do enjoy watching,maybe one of them will make a breakthrough….